Simulation Overview

1. OVERVIEW:

The Global Technology Management Simulation Project (GlobeTech-7, Fall 2001) is a Curriculum Innovation and Development (CID) tool developed at Cooper Union under the auspices of the Gateway Engineering Education Coalition.

The subject for the Fall 2001 Simulation is: "New Energy Source Joint-Venture Projects in Poland, Taiwan, and USA".

GlobeTech is conceived as a major component of an undergraduate interdisciplinary engineering course of Global Technology Management such as Nerken's EID-372. However, participation in a Global Technology Management course is not necessary. Since the simulation deals with issues such as: use of alternative energy sources, sustainable development, aspects of air pollution control, global competitiveness strategies, international negotiations, technology transfer, operations' optimization, etc., it could be offered in conjunction with many environmental, economics or engineering management courses.

This project aims to familiarize the engineering students with the real and very complex political, economic, social, and technical issues influencing global technology decisions, thus better preparing them for a furture of increased globalization and concern for sustainable development.

2. GLOBETECH'S MAIN BENEFITS:

  • Develops cross-cultural awareness skills among the students, who might portray, in the simulation, United States or foreign decision makers such as private company managers or government representatives.
  • Emphasizes the cross-disciplinary nature of global technology management through the technical, economic, political, and social background research students undertake to prepare for the simulation.
  • Disseminates new learning methods based on the use of modern information technology to all participants.
  • Develops students' leadership, team work, and international negotiating skills through the interactive simulation process.
  • Opens the door towards greater domestic and international collaboration in engineering education through direct faculty and student contact with the colleges participating in this project.

3. PROJECT DEVELOPMENT:

The simulation process will consist of:

    • Writing the Request For Proposals (RFP's) and Responding Proposals for the chosen projects as per the Scenario and Schedule of the simulation,
    • Weekly communications/negotiations via computer (e-mail, chat room, etc.) among the various teams and faculty leaders,
    • At least two "on-line" conferences or tele-conference sessions in which all the student teams should participate,
    • Contracts awards,
    • Teams' debriefing / feedback,
    • Simulation conclusions

    The above activities will be monitored by a Simulation Lead Team (SLT) of three of four faculty members from among the participants, with the help of all the other participating faculty.

    Note: Close faculty communications during the simulation preparation and actual run are essential and key for the success of this project, so we heartily encourage all faculty to actively participate.

4. CONCLUSION:

The GlobeTech-7 Simulation will build on the strengths and experience of the previous five simulations and will represent a valuable learning tool for all participating faculty and students. The more participants, the more interesting the simulation will become. We should appreciate to know as soon as possible if your school is interesting to participate with a student team. For further information, we can be reached at: jacoby@cooper.edu.